Sherman vs Panther etc.

T. A. Gardner · Aug 19, 2022

Bolshevik said: ↑

Too true.

The Ferdinand in its stated role of tank destroyer, if properly positioned and camouflaged with a good supply of ammunition, it could harvest large numbers of Soviet machines and be practically impervious to return fire.

It's use as a main battle tank for Model's northern army during the Kursk offensive was Walter Model's own fault. As with most tank destroyers and other SPGs, it was vulnerable when attacked by infantry if unsupported. Armoured fighting vehicles require infantry support to maintain their invulnerability. This is what happened at Kursk, with the Ferdinand misused and frequently caught by opposing infantry and despatched with a magnetic mine or two.

I believe as the war progressed and the role of the German Army switched from offensive to defensive operations that the production numbers of assault guns was suitably increased to reflect these changing battlefield requirements.
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At Kursk, the two Ferdinand battalions (653 and 654) were combined with Sturm Pz Abt 216 (Brummbär), along with Fkl Kp. 314 (10 StuG III and Bogward Fkl remote control vehicles for obstacle and mine clearing), and a company of Pz III from 12th Pz Division as part of the HQ forming Regiment 656.

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Sherman vs Panther etc.

T. A. Gardner Genuine Chief

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